Hidden Feelings - A Draco Malfoy Love Story

Chapter Fifty-Six

I end up unable to talk to Draco directly after that; both due to him not making himself available and me not wanting to hear what he has to say about the ordeal in the bathroom. I sneak to his room and leave a note explaining that Harry somehow caught me on the way to the Room of Requirement and that we can't meet that way anymore. I hope it's enough to hint that he shouldn't be going there on his own, either.

The longer I go without seeing Draco, rarely even passing him in the hall anymore, the closer I feel myself returning to my friend group. I take that as a sign that whatever Draco and I try, it won't be okay unless we're able to let it out in the open; it's clear that he can't deal with hiding while I can't deal with simply messing around.

After Hermione and I's conversation was cut short, I imagined that while I'd be saved momentarily, she'd come right back to it next time we were alone. However, things returned somewhat to normal, the only tension being between Harry and I being as he apologized about hitting me with that spell. I don't hesitate to forgive him, given I willingly put myself in harm's way to separate them. The weeks following begin to feel similar to my first couple years at Hogwarts; while it isn't perfect given the troubles with Voldemort, I'm more comforted by my friends' presences. I hope their trust in me isn't too far gone after how I've acted this year.

However, I realize that there is something significant they haven't trusted me with the night I stumble upon Harry's map, open on the coffee table by where Hermione and Ron are sitting. I sit down with my book but glance at it, searching for his name. I furrow my eyebrows when I see him with Dumbledore in his office.

They disappear a moment later.

"Oh, I should close this," Ron says, reaching forward. I lean over and slap my hand down on the parchment before he can do anything, narrowing my eyes at him.

"Harry just disappeared." I look to Hermione, whose eyes are wide, mouth gaping. "You two...you know what's happening, don't you?"

"Elizabeth, wait," Ron mutters, pulling the parchment from under my hand. I stand up, my stomach twisting.

"Something is happening tonight. With him. Isn't it?" I ask, my throat tightening. My gaze snaps between the two of them rapidly. I see Draco nearing the Room of Requirement on the map just before Ron closes it.

"Elizabeth, we couldn't-" Hermione bites her lip, looking to Ron helplessly. "He made us promise not to tell you."

Can you blame them? I think, but turn on my heel and storm away regardless. Quick footsteps follow me, and fingers wrap around my wrist just before I reach the door.

"Take a sip of this." Ginny shoves a tiny golden vial in my face. "Harry told us all to share it if anything happens."

"Is that the liquid luck?" I mutter, studying the tiny amount left in the already limited supply.

"Yes."

"Ginny, I can't. Make sure you and the others get enough, okay?" I sigh, grabbing the edge of the portrait. "Be careful."

"But-"

"See you soon." I slip out of the common room and take off running, my shoes hitting the tile floor loudly. I get to the corridor as fast as I can, pacing in front of the door with my thoughts in a frantic whirl that I hope the room will understand. A door appears, and I rush forward, my heart beating rapidly.

I slow down as I enter, my head pounding as I study my surroundings. It's the same room of cluttered lost objects that tower over me as the day Draco and I made up last year. I hear him muttering to himself around one of the corners, and quickly move inside to get to him.